Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Caudle.
Rock ‘N Learn began as an idea that would help children learn by putting educational material to music with a current sound – the kind of music that kids enjoy and find motivating. Now with over 50 products, the company has sold millions of audio/book and video programs to teachers and parents throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Rock ‘N Learn programs help students learn math, phonics, reading, early childhood skills, social studies, Spanish, test-taking strategies, writing, and science. Their videos incorporate music with exciting, colorful imagery.
Headquartered in Conroe, Texas, just north of Houston, Rock ‘N Learn is owned and operated by its founders, Richard and Brad Caudle.
Working as a school psychologist in 1986, Richard saw the need for multisensory learning programs using the styles of music that kids love. He teamed with his younger brother Brad, an accomplished musician, to record their first program to help kids learn multiplication facts. Strong sales of this recording in the school specialty and book markets led to other programs and the start of a successful company.
Richard and Brad never varied from their number one goal of providing children with programs that would make learning easier and fun. Brad’s wife Melissa, a former second-grade teacher, writes material and coordinates educational research for Rock ‘N Learn. Richard’s wife, Kathie, manages the sales and marketing team.
Rock ‘N Learn programs have received over 200 awards such as Dr. Toy, Parents’ Choice, iParenting, National Parenting Publications, Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice, Early Childhood News, National Parenting Center, and Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media. Its programs lead in the areas of quality and customer satisfaction based on surveys of school supply stores.
As documented in case studies by numerous school districts, Rock ‘N Learn programs work. The overwhelmingly positive response from parents, teachers, and kids generates tremendous word-of-mouth support. By consulting with educators and featuring talented vocalists and performers, Rock ‘N Learn will continue to develop quality programs that hold interest and help kids learn.
Richard envisioned Rock ‘N Learn in 1986 while working as a school psychologist and seeing the need for highly entertaining educational programs that would hold the interest of students and get results. Besides helping author and produce Rock ‘N Learn programs, Richard has written over 25 industry-related publications as well as articles in the field of school psychology. He has served on numerous committees of the National School Supply & Equipment Association. Richard was named the “2006 McKay’s Hero” for his volunteer work with a local nonprofit foundation devoted to children’s safety education.
Richard holds a B.A. in psychology, an M.S. in School Psychology, and an M.B.A. Richard is married to Kathie. Richard and Kathie enjoy ballroom dance and three grandsons in their spare time.
Brad partnered with Richard to create Rock ‘N Learn in 1986. As a result of staying in touch with music trends, he is able to produce highly entertaining educational products that kids love. Using his electrical engineering background, Brad also helps keep the technology at Rock ‘N Learn running smoothly. He manages the recording studio as a producer, engineer and frequent performer. Brad has composed and arranged the majority of Rock ‘N Learn’s award-winning educational music.
Brad earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University. In his spare time, Brad enjoys playing in several Houston-based rock tribute bands (vocals, guitar, bass, percussion), ski boarding, and technical SCUBA diving. Brad is married to Melissa.
As educational coordinator, Melissa works with classroom teachers to develop educational products that get results. She worked as a second grade and remedial reading teacher before joining Rock ‘N Learn. Melissa has written or co-written the majority of scripts and lyrics for Rock ‘N Learn. She authored the script for Rock ‘N Learn’s best-selling Letter Sounds DVD video program and audio CD that has helped so many children learn to read.
Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in math from Texas A&M University. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys ski boarding and technical SCUBA diving (she’s a better diver than Brad).
Kathie has been responsible for building the sales and distribution portion of Rock ‘N Learn from the early days to the present. She established a style that puts retail customers first in responsiveness, courtesy, and guaranteed sales. Through two decades, Kathie has managed the office and marketing staff of Rock ‘N Learn along with maintaining direct contact with Rock ‘N Learn’s primary accounts and suppliers. Kathie also serves as a liaison between marketing and product development, often advocating the needs of retail customers and consumers to the development team.
Kathie grew up in Independence, Kansas where she obtained an associate degree in business administration.
Kathie and Richard have two adult daughters, Shawn and Michelle, and three grandsons. The boys have been inspiration for new preschool board books and videos.
Some companies know their niche; they have carved it out and with each passing year they perfect their craft further so that they don’t just stand out, they stand alone. Rock ‘N Learn holds that distinction when it comes to educational, musical-based learning on DVD. There is something about the catchy tunes, the wacky characters and the funny scenes that appeals to kids and opens the door to learning. That isn’t something you guess; it’s something you study, learn and hone into a science, which is what Rock ‘N Learn has done… again. – National Parenting Center Seal of Approval
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Going into a recording studio for the first time was a huge leap of faith. With a $500 investment, all of Richard and Kathie’s savings, Brad and Richard started on a journey with their families to build a company that would help teachers, parents, and students in ways that none of us would ever have even able to conceive in our wildest dreams.
Over the years, Rock ‘N Learn has faced many changes in the ways that teachers and parents purchase and use media. Our team’s creativity always comes through!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The most exciting time came when I got to go into a real recording studio with my band, thanks to my brother Richard’s faith in me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rocknlearn.com/
- Phone: 936-539-2731
- Email: info@rocknlearn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocknlearninc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockAndLearn
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rockandlearn
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/rocknlearn
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